Ready to conquer the Issaquah Alps? This incredible network of trails just east of Seattle offers a surprising variety of terrain and rewarding views, perfect for year-round exploration. Whether you're seeking a quick workout or a more challenging trek, you'll find your ideal path here.
Issaquah Alps
West Tiger Mountain
The highest peak in the Issaquah Alps, West Tiger Mountain is a hiker's playground with numerous interconnected trails. The summit offers expansive views, though they can be obscured by clouds.
- West Tiger 3: A popular choice for its direct route to the summit, West Tiger 3 provides a solid workout. Recent reports from November 6th mention a mix of dry ascents and wet descents, with some cars in the parking lot even at midday. You'll find good fall colors on connected trails like Section Line as of late October.
- Cable Line Trail: This is a more direct, steeper ascent to the West Tiger 3 summit. A September 27th report notes it's 3 miles one-way to the summit and that the trail and road are in good condition with ample parking. No significant fall foliage was noted at that time.
- Section Line Trail: Often used in conjunction with other trails on West Tiger, Section Line offers beautiful fall colors, especially on the upper sections, as noted in a late October report. Conditions can be wet, as indicated by a November 6th report.
- Nook Trail: This trail provides a gentler approach and is known for its lovely fall colors, though leaves may be dropping by early November, according to a late October report. It was noted as uncrowded with some on-and-off showers.
- West Tiger 2: Connects to West Tiger 3 and offers a different perspective. A report from October 24th mentioned lost keys in the area, so keep an eye on your belongings.
- West Tiger 1: Another peak accessible from the West Tiger network. A July report mentioned purple flowers and good trail conditions.
Tiger Mountain (South)
South of West Tiger, these trails offer different perspectives and access to popular viewpoints.
- Poo Poo Point - Chirico Trail: This is the most direct and popular route to Poo Poo Point, known for its views of paragliders launching. A November 4th report advises caution due to agitated bees on the trail. Parking can fill up quickly, even on weekdays, as noted in an October 22nd report.
- Poo Poo Point: Several access points lead to Poo Poo Point, including from Issaquah. Reports from November 4th mention starting early from the small parking lot off 2nd in Issaquah or from the Issaquah Community Center, with mostly sunny skies.
- Tiger Mountain Trail: A longer trail that can be used for thru-hikes or to connect various points on the mountain. A late October report mentioned good trail conditions and no blowdowns.
Other Notable Trails
- Margaret's Way and Debbie's View: This trail offers a well-maintained path with the steepest elevation gain at the beginning. An October 24th report found the trail in great condition with thick woods and a clean port-a-potty. It's described as challenging but rewarding.
- Bullitt Fireplace Trail: This trail is part of a loop that navigates through areas affected by past storm damage, with recent reports from October indicating the trails are passable. Parking was plentiful on a cool Saturday morning in mid-October.
- Coal Creek Falls: A beautiful spot for a shorter hike to a waterfall. A mid-October report described it as a lovely, chilly day with a bit of a heads-up about trail conditions for runners and hikers. The parking lot was half full on a drizzly afternoon in August.
Planning Tips
- Check conditions before you go: Reports are updated frequently, offering the most current information on trail status and any unexpected hazards, like the bee report on Chirico Trail from November 4th.
- Parking can be competitive: Especially on weekends and during peak fall color season, arrive early to secure a spot. Several reports from late October and early November indicate busy parking lots.
- Layers are key: November weather can bring rain and cooler temperatures, but sunny spells are also common. Dressing in layers will help you stay comfortable.
- Consider connecting trails: The Issaquah Alps are crisscrossed with trails. Combining several routes can create longer, more varied hikes. For example, many hikers use Cable Line Trail to ascend and Section Line Trail to descend West Tiger 3.
Generated from recent trip reports for the trails below. Check anything you’d turn around for.